The power flared straight up from the stone, like a needle piercing the night sky. It towered over them, swirling around and around, like one of the deadly windstorms she’d heard about but never seen.

The horses were still circling, and the warrior-priests that surrounded the Heart were staggering back, covering their eyes.

The bright needle swirled, linking the land and the stars. A bell tone sounded again. Gilla blinked against the glare, and saw a circle of light pulse from the Heart, expanding outward. The thick band of light looked like it was traveling under the earth, illuminating the grasses from below. Moving fast, it climbed the rise and passed through their group.

Gilla turned to watch it go, bright and visible far into the distance. A second followed the first, with the same bell tone resounding through her bones.

She turned back and saw a third, and then a fourth pulse issue from the Heart. As the fourth band of light and sound raced away, it was joined by the horses moving away from the stone in all directions, scattering the warrior-priests.

But the warrior-priests around her were staring at their hands and the ground, tears streaming down their faces. “The magic,” she heard one whisper.

Ouse gasped. His hands were glowing, strong and bright.

“Cosana!” Lander shouted. “El!”

Gilla jerked around and saw the spirit horses galloping straight up the rise toward them. Cosana was laughing, her hair filled with flowers. El looked sad as he rode past, his hand held up in farewell. Gilla raised her hand in return, and then he was gone with the other spirit horses. Her heart ached in her chest, but she knew he’d ride with her until the snows.

One last spirit rider came up the rise, headed straight for the Eldest Elder, a warrior-priestess with a very intent look, as if stalking prey.

His knees weakened, and he sagged in Snowfall’s and Lightning Strike’s arms. It would not be long now.

Another grasped his arm. “Stand, Wild Winds. Stand and see.”

Wild Winds frowned, blinking at the sight of Twisting Winds at his side. “Elder?”

Twisting Winds nodded, his wise eyes concerned. “One last lesson, young one. Magic is a blade that cuts both ways.”

Confused, he felt a warm body tuck itself under his other shoulder. “Stand, Wild Winds.” Summer Sky’s face was filled with both joy and regret. “One last dance, my friend. That which was taken is restored. That which was imprisoned is now freed.”

“Stand, Wild Winds,” Stalking Cat commanded, both hands on Wild Winds’s shoulders. His fierce eyes forced Wild Winds to raise his head. “One last battle, Warrior-Priest. Embrace the old. Preserve the new.”

“Oh, that’s helpful,” Wild Winds grumbled, but Stalking Cat just gave him a fierce grin and shifted slightly. Wild Winds drew in a sharp breath as he saw Arching Colors racing toward him on horseback, her hand reaching out for him.

The two supporting Wild Winds lost their grip, and he slowly slid out of their hands and collapsed to the ground.

Gilla looked back at the Heart. The needle of light was still there, swirling, towering. The warrior-priests below were now running toward it. Just as one reached out to touch it—

It was gone.

Gilla blinked at the spots before her eyes, staring at the center of the Heart of the Plains. But it was empty, the stone once again gray and dark.

Ezren, Bethral, and Bessie were gone.

Gilla choked back a sob as Chell wrapped her arm around her shoulders. Lander and Ouse came over and hugged her tight. “Tenna and Arbon live, Gilla.”

Gilla cried that much harder.

The darkness had descended, but the torches and firepits were still lit around the Heart. The female warrior-priest knelt at Wild Winds’s side, but the male was pointing down at the Heart. “Look. Something is wrong.”

The warrior-priests that stood about the Heart of the Plains were acting oddly. Some were standing, staring at their staffs. Others were kneeling, and crying out. Faint sounds of anguish rose in the air.

“Skies above!” The female by Wild Winds rose to her feet. “Their tattoos! Eldest Elder, their tattoos are gone.”

Wild Winds started to laugh, a strong, healthy sound.

Gilla’s friends had plunged her into the stream. She scrubbed every inch of skin twice as they sat on the bank and told her everything that had happened. They’d brought her gear, so she donned a fresh tunic and trous as Lander and Ouse set up her tent for her.

Now they sat around her, all of them tucked tight in the front corner of Wild Winds’s tent, at his insistence. He’d wanted to hear everything they had to say about the events that had led up to this moment.

For the warrior-priests and priestess that had followed him up the ridge had all been gifted with magic the likes of which they’d never seen. They were all eating fry bread and roasted gurtle, and drinking strong kavage. They were excited at their new powers, but there was also a deep worry about learning to use these new gifts. Wild Winds had asked Gilla and her friends to describe how Ezren Storyteller had torched his enemies when he’d lost control of the powers. As a warning, he said, of the dangers involved.

The tent buzzed with talk and joy, for Wild Winds sat on his chair before them all, sat tall and straight and strong. Healed, whether by the magic or by Arching Colors’s touch was a subject of much speculation and anyone’s guess.

Gilla sighed, her belly full, her friends close. The future held many possibilities, but right now she just wanted to curl up in her tent and sleep.

One of the guards entered the tent and spoke to Wild Winds softly. Wild Winds frowned, then nodded. The guard went out, and a moment later the tent flap opened to admit an older woman. She was dressed in trous and her hair was in dreadlocks, but her face and chest were as pale as a babe’s.

The tent went silent. Gilla craned her neck to see, but Lander squeezed her hand. “It’s one of the other warrior-priests,” he whispered. “One that lost her tattoos.”

Mist took two steps closer, the staff in her hand bare of decoration. She made no move to sit.

“Your skulls?” Wild Winds stared at her staff.

“The skulls shattered the moment the tattoos disappeared,” Mist said calmly. “You have magic?”

“You can’t see it?” Wild Winds gave her a sharp look.

“No,” Mist said, “nor can the others.”

There were gasps at that, but Wild Winds raised a hand for quiet.

“The ground glows with power,” Wild Winds said. “The Sacrifice has been made, and magic has returned to the Plains. But it appears that there are new questions now. New responsibilities.”

Mist gave him a sharp look, taking him all in. “You are well?”

“Yes,” Wild Winds said simply. “A gift of a future.”

Mist nodded. “One I will not share.”

“I am sorry, Mist,” Wild Winds said. “But you and the others will have to live with the consequences of your choices. Perhaps with time you can relearn—”

“We will not live long enough,” Mist said.

“Eh?” Wild Winds raised an eyebrow.

“We can no longer summon horses.”

Wild Winds stared at her, dumbfounded. The young ones around him gasped.

“See for yourselves.” Mist gestured outside. “They are trying again, even as we speak. A small herd, down by the Heart.”

Wild Winds nodded, and the young rushed the flap, leaving him alone with Mist.

“We cannot call them. If we catch one, it will not let any of us mount. If we manage to mount, the horse is uncontrollable,” Mist said, her face grim.

“The Spirit of the Horse . . .” Wild Winds shook his head. “You have offended.”

“We cannot hunt, cannot ride.” Mist sighed. “The Sacrifice has his vengeance. Many have already sought the snows.”

“He sought justice, not vengeance,” Wild Wind reminded her. “What of Hail Storm?”

“Cursing in my tent. He claimed to have other ways of wielding magics, but we have listened and have rejected his ways.”

“He is still a danger, then.”

“I doubt it,” Mist said. “The wounds on his arms are swollen and puffy. There are red streaks growing up his arm very quickly, and he is fevered. He may not see it for what it is, but I do. If the fever does not claim him soon, I will give him mercy before I seek the snows.”

“Ah.” Wild Winds stood. “I am sorry, Mist.”

“Do not be. I made a choice, and I live with the consequences. My decision is made. But I wanted to see how you were before I chose that path.”

Wild Winds pulled her into a hug. Mist stiffened, then melted against him for a moment.

“You could share my tent. I would care for you,” he whispered into her hair.

“No.” She pulled away and stepped back, her expression implacable. “I’d offer you my skull, old friend, but I doubt my wisdom would aid you.” She turned, and headed out of the tent.

Wild Winds followed. “I think the customs of the warrior-priests must change, including that one. But we shall see.”

They walked to the rise where the young ones had gathered to look down at the Heart.

“It’s true,” Snowfall said as he stopped beside her. “The horses will not aid them.”

Mist joined them and looked down at the group struggling to get mounts. “Do you know what happened to the Sacrifice and his Token-Bearer?”

“No.” Wild Winds sighed. “They vanished. But I wish them well, wherever they may be. As I wish you well, Mist.”

“Send your people to our camp later this evening,” Mist said calmly. “No need for the tents and supplies to go to waste.”

“I will,” he said. “Safe journey to the snows, Mist. And beyond.”

“May the elements be with you, Eldest Elder.” Mist walked toward the Heart, and Wild Winds silently watched her go.

Wild Winds had watched her go, regret etched on his face. But then he shook his head, and turned toward them all.

“We all need sleep this day,” he said. “We will finish our meal, and set watches.” The others nodded, and turned back toward the tents, talking among themselves.

Wild Winds held up a hand as Gilla and her friends started to move. “Wait, Warriors.”

They paused, darting looks at each other at being addressed as warriors.

“I would ask that you remain with us for a time, before you make any decisions about your paths. The spring challenges will be held soon, and those who will challenge for warlord status will arrive shortly. I’d learn more from you about what happened here, if you would.”

They looked at him, then Lander pushed Gilla forward.

Gilla nodded. “We would stay, Eldest Elder.”

“Good.” Wild Winds turned back to the tents. “Let us talk as we eat. The rest can wait until later. Although”—he pointed ahead with his staff—“maybe sooner than I think.”

There were riders before his tent, warriors of the Plains. Gilla blinked to see the one at the front, one of the largest, blackest men she had ever seen. He was dressed in fine chain mail, his sword on his back. His dark eyes flashed, and the gold earrings in his ears caught the morning light. “Wild Winds,” the man said, his voice booming.

“Simus of the Hawk.” Wild Winds strode up and stood before the man, planting his staff next to him. “How may I aid you?”

Those dark eyes flashed under raised brows. Gilla had the impression that Simus had noticed the lack of skulls on the staff. And the presence of young warriors in the group of warrior-priests. But the man said nothing about that.

“An explanation would be a good start,” Simus said. “My evening pleasures were interrupted by a needle of light that pierced the sky, and a singer with an itch of curiosity.” Simus shot a glance at the man next to him. “I had no choice but to leave my bed and seek you out.”

“Joden of the Hawk.” Wild Winds nodded at the big man with the broad face and light brown skin. “You are a singer now?”

“No, Eldest Elder.” Joden shook his head with resignation. “Not yet. I—”

“Pah,” Simus said. “A small matter.” He fixed his gaze on Wild Winds. “Well? What was that all about?”

“Please, Simus of the Hawk,” Wild Winds said, “you are welcome to my tent. We have a tale to tell, one long in the telling.”

“You will tell it?” Simus demanded.

“Yes,” Wild Winds said.

Simus pulled his head back in surprise, then frowned.

Wild Winds lifted an eyebrow. “What, is Simus of the Hawk struck speechless?”

“I am waiting for the sky to fall on my head,” Simus retorted.

“Which is how the tale begins, if you would hear it.” Wild Winds said.

Gilla smiled as Joden dismounted immediately.

“You think that warrior-priests cannot change?” Wild Winds asked Simus. “Come and hear the tale, or not. As you choose.”

“Keir is going to gut me,” Simus grumbled, but he dismounted and joined his friend.

Wild Winds paused, and looked back at Gilla and her friends. “You are welcome, but you can also choose to sleep, if you wish. Your part in this tale can be told later.”

Lander and Ouse followed Wild Winds, but Chell turned to Gilla, who was already yawning. “I’ll see you to your tent,” she said as she took Gilla’s arm. “You had the worst of it.”

Gilla nodded, and together they walked toward their part of the camp. She sighed, letting her tiredness overcome her. “Do you think Ouse will become a warrior-priest?”

Chell shrugged. “Who’s to say? But if he does, I am glad it’s Wild Winds that will teach him.” She looked back toward the tent. “I’m glad Simus of the Hawk is here,” she added. “I would serve under him.”

“Oh?” Gilla arched an eyebrow.

Chell flushed. “He is a fine-looking man. And rumor has it that he is amazing in—”

“That can all wait for tomorrow.” Gilla yawned, her jaw cracking. “I just wish we knew what had happened to Ezren and Bethral.”

Chell shrugged. “Maybe we will someday. Who knows what story may come our way?”

Gilla sighed. “I just want to know the end of that tale.”

“Here we go.” Chell lifted the flap of the tent. “Sleep as long as you want, Gilla.”

Gilla nodded absently, then crawled in. The blankets looked so inviting, but there was a lump in the middle. “What?”

A head lifted from the blanket, which was rumpled and gathered together. Yellow eyes blinked at her, then a mouth yawned, showing sharp teeth.

“Cat!” Gilla said with delight. “You—”

Tiny mewing sounds came out of the blanket. Gilla reached over and pulled back a fold. She crowed with delight at the sight of five tiny bodies, each struggling to suck at their mother’s teats.

“Cat, you are a warrior of the Plains now.” Gilla reached over and carefully scratched its . . . her . . . head. “I just wish you could speak as to the fate of the Storyteller and his Warlord. What happened to them, eh?”